Method and system for monitoring intoxication

ABSTRACT

A method and system for monitoring a user&#39;s intoxication including receiving a set of signals, derived from a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time points; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to a time point of the set of time points; generating a performance dataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the user; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing a demographic profile of the user and/or a physiological state of the user; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; generating a predicted temporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; generating an analysis of the user&#39;s sobriety based upon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile; and providing a notification to the user based upon the analysis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/294,998, filed 17 Oct. 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.9,740,827, filed 18 Jul. 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.9,600,632, filed 2 Jun. 2015, which is a continuation application ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,076,317, filed 27 Aug. 2014, which is a continuation ofU.S. Pat. No. 8,878,669 filed 30 Jan. 2014, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/812,704 filed 16 Apr. 2013 andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/759,390 filed 31 Jan. 2013,which are each incorporated in their entirety herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the intoxication monitoring devicefield, and more specifically to a new and useful method and system formonitoring intoxication.

BACKGROUND

It is often desirable to analyze a biological sample from a person todetect substances carried in the biological sample. As such,breathalyzer devices are used to test the content of alcohol (i.e.,ethanol) carried in an individual's breath, in order to determine ameasure of alcohol consumed by the individual. The measure is typicallypresented as a blood alcohol content (BAC), which can provide anindication of a user's mental and/or physical adeptness. As such, BACmeasures are also used to provide a basis for limits of alcoholconsumption in relation to the performance of tasks, including driving avehicle, operating machinery, and performing various tasks in a workingenvironment. While current blood alcohol measuring devices are able todetermine an individual's BAC, and are typically used in law enforcementsettings, existing systems and methods configured to provide monitoringof alcohol consumption are severely limited.

There is thus a need in the intoxication monitoring device field tocreate a new and useful method and system for monitoring intoxication.This invention provides such a new and useful method and system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of an embodiment of a method for monitoringintoxication;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of a portion of an embodiment of a method formonitoring intoxication;

FIGS. 3A-3C depict embodiments of generating a predicted temporalprofile that facilitates monitoring of the user's intoxication;

FIG. 4 depicts an example of an analysis, notification, and device/userinterface configured to facilitate monitoring of the user'sintoxication;

FIGS. 5A-5B depict examples of an analysis configured to facilitatemonitoring of the user's intoxication;

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of a portion of an embodiment of a method formonitoring intoxication;

FIGS. 7A-7C depict schematics of embodiments of a system for monitoringintoxication; and

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a portion of a system for monitoringintoxication.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

1. Method

As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a method 100 for monitoringintoxication of a user includes: receiving a set of signals, derivedfrom a set of samples collected from the user at a set of time pointsS110; providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to at least onetime point of the set of time points S120; generating a performancedataset characterizing performance of the sobriety task by the userS125; receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing at least one of ademographic profile of the user and a physiological state of the userS130; determining a set of values of an intoxication metric, derivedfrom the set of signals S140; generating a predicted temporal profile ofthe intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, theset of time points, and the supplementary dataset S150; generating ananalysis of the user's sobriety based upon the performance dataset andthe predicted temporal profile S160; and providing a notification to theuser based upon the analysis S170. The method 100 can further comprisegenerating a longitudinal prediction of an effect of the user's alcoholconsumption, based upon the set of signals and the analysis S180;guiding the user in at least one of providing the set of samples andperforming the sobriety task S190; and transmitting at least one of thepredicted temporal profile, the analysis, and the notification to anentity S210.

The method 100 functions to provide a tool that allows a user to monitorhis/her alcohol consumption and behavioral effects of intoxication in acompelling and intuitive manner. The method 100 can also function toguide a user's behavior at various stages of intoxication, by providingnotifications related to the user's intoxication state. In this regard,the method 100 can provide short-term and/or long-term predictions of astate of the user, in quantitative and qualitative manners, such thatthe user learns about the physiological and/or behavioral effects ofhis/her alcohol consumption. The method 100 can also incorporate asocial component, wherein information related to a user'sintoxication-induced behavior and/or physiological state can becommunicated to another entity (e.g., a supervisor, a caretaker, afamily member, an acquaintance).

Preferably, at least a subset of the method 100 is implemented using aportion of the system 200 described in Section 2 below, comprising asample receiving module 210 configured to receive a set of samples fromthe user, a data link 248 configured to communicate signals derived fromthe set of samples, and a processor 250 configured to receive andprocess data in order to generate a notification that can be provided tothe user at a user interface 205; however, the method 100 can beimplemented using any other suitable system configured to collect and/ortransmit samples from the user, analyze the samples, and provideinformation regarding the user's intoxication state. In one specificexample, the method 100 is implemented at least in part using abreathalyzer unit including a wireless data link, a processor 250, and amobile device 202 executing an application with a user interface 205configured to receive inputs and provide information to the user. Assuch, the method 100 is preferably implemented for a user who issubstantially removed from law enforcement personnel; however, themethod 100 can alternatively be implemented for a user who is inproximity to law enforcement personnel.

Block S110 recites: receiving a set of signals, derived from a set ofsamples collected from the user at a set of time points, and functionsto enable generation of data that can be used to determine a predictedtemporal profile of an intoxication metric. The set of signals ispreferably received at processor, such as the processor described inSection 2 below; however, the set of signals can alternatively bereceived at any other suitable processing element configured totransform the set of signals into a set of values of an intoxicationmetric. Block S110 is preferably enabled using a sample receiving modulethat is configured to collect the set of samples from the user. As such,the set of samples can be collected automatically and/or manually, canbe collected continuously and/or intermittently, and can be collected atregular and/or irregular intervals. Furthermore, the set of samples caninclude any one or more of: breath samples (e.g., samples collected at abreathalyzer unit), urine samples, blood samples, interstitial fluidsamples, and any other suitable sample that can be used to assess theuser's intoxication.

Preferably, the set of samples is received from the user in Block S110in a non-invasive manner; however, the set of samples can be received ina minimally invasive or invasive manner. Furthermore, in somevariations, the set of signals can be received without directlycollecting samples from the user; for example, the set of signals can begenerated in an indirect manner, as derived from an interaction betweena stimulus and the user's body (e.g., spectrometer-based analysis oflight transmitted from a user's blood vessels). In still othervariations, Block S110 can entirely omit using a set of samples from theuser, and instead rely upon characteristics of the user and the user'salcohol consumption (e.g., gender, mass, number of drinks consumed, timeover which the drinks have been consumed, etc.) to facilitate generationof values of an intoxication metric. In one such example, data used asinputs in a Widmark formula or a derivative thereof can be received inBlock S110.

In a specific example of Block S110, the set of signals can be receivedwirelessly using a Bluetooth transmission module incorporated into abreathalyzer unit configured to collect one or more breath samples froma user at one or more stages of intoxication. In the specific example, asample of the set of samples can be collected at the breathalyzer unitprior to cessation of alcohol consumption by the user, and/or a sampleof the set of samples can be collected at the breathalyzer unitpost-cessation of alcohol consumption by the user.

Block S120 recites: providing a sobriety task to the user proximal to atleast one time point of the set of time points. Block S120 functions toenable an assessment of the user's abilities (e.g., motor ability,sensory ability, cognitive ability, etc.) associated with at least onestate of intoxication, as determined from the set of samples collectedfrom the user. The sobriety task is preferably provided to the user at auser interface in an electronic format, and in some variations, can beprovided to the user at a user interface of an application executing atan electronic device (e.g., mobile device) of the user. As such, thesobriety task is preferably implemented in a manner that incorporatesfunctions enabled by sensors and components of the electronic device,including one or more of motion detection (e.g., by an accelerometer),location detection (e.g., by a GPS), audio detection (e.g., by amicrophone), audio stimulation (e.g., by a speaker), visual stimulation(e.g., at a display), reaction time detection (e.g., by a user inputmodule and a clock element), orientation detection (e.g., by agyroscope), optical detection (e.g., at an optical sensor, at an imagesensor), and any other suitable function. However, the motor still taskcan alternatively be provided to the user in a non-electronic format(e.g., by a supervisor, by law enforcement personnel, by a caretaker, bya family member of the user, by an acquaintance of the user).

The sobriety task is preferably presented to the user proximal in timeto each time point of the set of time points wherein the user provides asample, such that performance of the sobriety task by the user can bedirectly associated with an intoxication metric derived from the sample.Furthermore the sobriety task can be provided to the user with at leastone round of repetition, such that deviations between repeatperformances and average performance metrics can be assessed. Inexamples, the sobriety task can be presented to the user in any one ormore of the following configurations: prior to (e.g., immediately priorto) provision of a breath sample by the user at a breathalyzer, after(e.g., immediately after) provision of a breath sample by the user at abreathalyzer, and concurrently with provision of a breath sample by theuser at a breathalyzer. However, in other variations, the sobriety taskcan additionally or alternatively be provided to the user substantiallyremoved in time from a time point at which a sample is provided by theuser, such that performance of the sobriety task by the user is notdirectly associated with an intoxication metric derived from a collectedsample. In these variations, the user's performance of the sobriety taskcan, for example, be associated with a predicted value of anintoxication metric (e.g., from the predicted temporal profile generatedin Block S150), or can, for example, be used to predict the value of anintoxication metric of the user without collection of a sample from theuser.

The sobriety task can include a single task configured to enable anassessment of the user's abilities (e.g., motor ability, sensoryability, cognitive ability, etc.) associated with at least one state ofintoxication, and in one variation, can include a test configured togage a user's reaction to certain stimuli. In one example, the user canbe presented with one or more stimuli (e.g., an audio stimulus, a visualstimulus, etc.), and the sobriety task can be used to assess the user'sreaction (e.g., the user has a reaction response, the user does not havea reaction response) to the stimulus/stimuli. In another example, theuser can be presented with one or more stimuli (e.g., an audio stimulus,a visual stimulus, etc.), and the sobriety task can be used to assessthe user's reaction time to respond to the stimulus/stimuli. In anotherexample, the user can be presented with a cognitive task (e.g.,problem-solving task), and the user's ability to accomplish thecognitive task can assessed in Block S160. In yet another example, theuser can be presented with a cognitive task (e.g., problem-solvingtask), and the duration required by the user to accomplish the cognitivetask can be assessed in Block S160. However, the sobriety task canadditionally or alternatively include any other suitable task.

In other variations, the sobriety task can include a set of tasks, whichcan be provided in a consistent sequence whenever the user is providedwith the sobriety task(s), in a random sequence, in an adaptive sequence(e.g., based upon the user's performance of a task of the set of tasks),and/or in any other suitable sequence. Furthermore, in embodimentswherein the sobriety task includes a set of tasks, the complete set oftasks can be provided to the user upon provision of the sobriety task tothe user, or an incomplete set of tasks can be provided to the user,based upon a selection from the complete set of tasks by the user or byanother entity. In some variations, as shown in FIG. 2, the set of taskscan be substantially identical to or analogous to tasks provided duringa field sobriety test conducted by law enforcement personnel. Inspecific examples, the set of tasks can be configured to mimic fieldsobriety tests standardized by the National Highway Traffic and SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) of the United States of America, which include aone-leg stand (OLS) task, which requires a user to stand on one leg for30 seconds to assess balance and coordination, a walk and turn (WAT)task, which assess a user's ability to balance and have his/herattention divided, and a horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) task, whichassess involuntary jerking of the user's eye(s), indicative ofintoxication. In variations of these examples, the set of tasks canadditionally or alternatively include tasks configured to mimic tasks ofany non-standardized sobriety tests, including one or more of: a fingercounting (FC) task configured to assess cognition and vision, analphabet recitation (AR) task, a counting task, a task wherein the userstands and slowly tips his/her head back, which enables an assessment ofbalance, a finger-to-nose (FTN) task configured to assess motor acuity,a hand-pat test, wherein the user alternatingly pats one hand with thepalm and the back side of the other hand, and any other suitable task.

In specific examples, wherein a set of tasks configured to mimic a fieldsobriety test is provided using an application executing at a mobiledevice of the user, the set of tasks are implemented in a manner thatincorporates functions enabled by sensors and components of theelectronic device. In one example, the OLS task can incorporate imagesensor functions, accelerometer functions, gyroscope functions, and orclock functions to detect that the user is standing upon one leg (e.g.,as enabled by the image sensor), and that the user has maintainedbalance for at least 30 sections (e.g., as enabled by the accelerometer,the gyroscope, and/or the clock). In another example, the WAT task canincorporate image sensor functions, accelerometer functions, andgyroscope functions to detect that the user is walking, is walking in astraight line, and is performing walking tasks according to instructionsprovided at a display and/or by the speaker of the mobile device. Inanother example, the HGN task can incorporate a moving visual stimulusat the display of the mobile device and optical sensor functions thattrack an eye of the user as the user visually follows the moving visualstimulus. In another example, the FC task can present a number ofobjects at the display of the mobile device, and the user can beinstructed to identify and input the number of objects presented. Inanother example, the alphabet recitation task/counting task can instructthe user to recite a portion of the alphabet or count in any order, anda microphone of the mobile device can enable an assessment of the user'saccuracy in reciting and/or counting. In yet another example, the FTNtask can incorporate optical sensor functions, accelerometer functions,and gyroscope functions to detect the motion of the user as the userbrings the mobile device in an outstretched hand to his/her nose, andhas successfully performed the task (e.g., by the optical sensor).

Block S125 recites: generating a performance dataset characterizingperformance of the sobriety task by the user, and functions to analyzethe user's performance of the sobriety task. The performance datasetpreferably characterizes the user's abilities (e.g., motor ability,sensory ability, cognitive ability, etc.) associated with at least onesample of the set of samples, in a quantitative manner. However, theperformance dataset can additionally or alternatively characterize theuser's abilities in a qualitative manner. As such, the performancedataset can include quantified values of aspects of the user'sperformance of the sobriety task, including one or more of: totalresponse time (e.g., response time to complete a task), average responsetime across repeat performances of the sobriety task, deviation inresponse time between repeat performances of the sobriety task, totalreaction time (e.g., reaction time to a stimulus), average reaction timeacross repeat performances of the sobriety task, deviation in reactiontime between repeat performances of the sobriety task, and any othersuitable quantified variable. Additionally or alternatively, theperformance dataset can include qualitative aspects of the user'sperformance of the sobriety task, including one or more of: performancesuccess (e.g., the user accomplished the task, the user did notaccomplish the task), performance speed (e.g., fast, medium, slow),reaction response (e.g., user reacted, user did not react), and anyother suitable qualitative characteristic. As such, the performancedataset provides data that can be used to analyze the user's sobriety inBlock S160.

Block S130 recites: receiving a supplementary dataset characterizing atleast one of a demographic profile of the user and a physiological stateof the user, and functions to provide enriching data that can be used toincrease the accuracy of the set of values of the intoxication metricdetermined in Block S140 and/or the predictive power of the predictedtemporal profile generated in Block S150. The supplementary dataset ispreferably received at processor, such as the processor described inSection 2 below; however, the supplementary dataset can alternatively bereceived at any other suitable processing element configured to use thesupplementary dataset in generating a set of values of an intoxicationmetric. In Block S130, the demographic profile can include any one ormore of information related to: gender (e.g., male, female, etc.), age,weight, height, ethnicity, marital status, profession, geographiclocation, diagnosed medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, alcoholintolerance), metabolic profile (e.g., fat/muscle content), familyhistory, genetic information, and any other suitable type ofdemographic-related information. In Block S130, the physiological stateof the user can be determined based upon any one or more of informationrelated to: food consumption (e.g., amount/rate of consumption),beverage consumption (e.g., amount/rate of consumption), medicationusage, activity (e.g., exercise, rest, sleep), biometric information(e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, pupilometric information, neuralactivity information, etc.), emotional state (e.g., stress state), andanother other suitable type of physiological state-related information.The supplementary dataset can, however, include any other suitable typeof data in addition to demographic data and/physiological state data.

The supplementary dataset received in Block S130 can be generated bymanual input (e.g., by manual input from the user) and/or automaticallybased upon accessing of information databases relevant to the user. Invariations wherein the supplementary dataset is generated by manualinput, the user or another entity can manually input demographicinformation and/or information related to physiological state at a userinput device, which is received as the supplementary dataset. Invariations wherein the supplementary dataset is generated automatically,the supplementary dataset can be generated at an aggregation moduleconfigured to access, retrieve, and/or aggregate content (e.g., digitalcontent) from different sources (e.g., social network accounts, searchresults, etc.). As an example, the supplementary dataset can begenerated by an aggregation module configured to access and retrievecontent from the user's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, whichcan be used to provide demographic information, location information,and activity information (e.g., exercise regimen information,consumption information) related to a physiological state of the user.In another example, the supplementary dataset can be generated using amodule configured to extract food and/or beverage consumptioninformation from image and/or text data. The image/text data can beinput by the user by way of an application executing at an electronicdevice (e.g., mobile device) of the user, wherein the electronic devicecomprises an image sensor; however, in variations of this example theimage data can additionally or alternatively be accessed and retrievedusing an aggregation module in communication with the user's digitalnetworks (e.g., digital social networks). As such, object recognition(e.g., of food items, of beverage items) and/or text recognition (e.g.,of food labels, of drink labels) can be used to enable automaticidentification of items that the user consumes, thus enriching thesupplementary dataset. The image/text data can also be time stamped,such that the user's consumption activity can be associated in time withat least one time point of the set of time points, to facilitategeneration of the predicted temporal profile in Block S150.

In the above examples and variations, the supplementary datasetpreferably includes temporally static information (e.g., demographicinformation) and temporally varying information (e.g., physiologicalstate information), but can include only temporally static information,only temporally varying information, and/or any other suitable type ofinformation. Preferably, each piece of temporally varying informationhas an associated time stamp that is automatically retrieved and/orgenerated, such that the information can subsequently be associated withtemporally varying intoxication states of the user predicted invariations of Block S150. However, the temporally varying informationcan additionally or alternatively be retroactively time-stamped (e.g.,by a user, by another entity) in order to incorporate temporalinformation in the supplementary dataset.

Block S140 recites: determining a set of values of an intoxicationmetric, derived from the set of signals, and functions to determine atleast one value of an intoxication metric that can be used to create oneor more anchoring points for the predicted temporal profile generated inBlock S150. The intoxication metric is preferably a blood alcoholconcentration (BAC), which can be determined from signals generated fromone or more of: a breath sample, a urine sample, a blood sample, and anyother suitable biological sample from the user, as described in relationto Block S110 above; however, the intoxication metric can alternativelybe any other suitable metric characterizing intoxication of the user. Invariations wherein the set of signals is derived from breath samples ofthe user, a BAC value corresponding to each breath sample can bedetermined based upon the magnitude of an electrical signal producedwhen alcohol in the user's breath reacts with a sensing element of thesensor (e.g., a current magnitude produced by a platinum-alcoholoxidation reaction for a fuel cell sensor, a change in electricalresistance produced by an alcohol-dioxide reaction for a semiconductorsensor, etc.). In other variations, a BAC value corresponding to anyother suitable type of sample from the user can be determined based uponan electrical signal produced in response to irradiation of the sample(e.g., by way of an electrical pulse generated in response to absorptionof infrared light by the sample, using a spectrophotometer), by way of adetected chemical change (e.g., as exhibited by a color change) inresponse to a chemical reaction between the sample and a chemicaladditive, or in any other suitable manner.

Block S150 recites: generating a predicted temporal profile of theintoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, the setof time points, and the supplementary dataset, and functions to create apredicted temporal profile of an intoxication metric that is customizedto the user and provides information regarding the user's past, present,and future states of intoxication in a quantitative and/or qualitativemanner. When an individual consumes alcohol, their level of intoxication(e.g., as assessed by a BAC), will generally rise as alcohol is absorbedby their body, and then fall back to zero as alcohol is absorbed bytheir body. As such, the predicted temporal profile characterizes anintoxication metric vs. time for the user, which can be used to predictwhen the intoxication metric for a user will reach a specific value at apoint in time. The predicted temporal profile can thus be generatedbased upon the set of values of the intoxication metric generated inBlock S140 as anchoring points, as well as average profiles (e.g.,rates) of alcohol absorption and elimination as determined previouslyfrom a population of individuals. Furthermore, generation of thepredicted temporal profile can include forward and/or retrogradeextrapolation of unknown future and/or past values of the intoxicationmetric, in relation to the set of values generated in Block S140. In anexample, as shown in FIG. 3A, one value of an intoxication metric,determined for a time point after which the user has ceased alcoholconsumption, can provide an anchoring point for a region of thepredicted temporal profile over which the user's intoxication isdeclining, and average rates of alcohol elimination as determined from apopulation of individuals can be used to extrapolate the decline of theintoxication metric for the user over time, as depicted in the graphiclabeled as S150′ in FIG. 3A. Thus, if the user's BAC (i.e., theintoxication metric) is 0.03% at a first time point of the set of timepoints and an average elimination rate for a population of individualsis 0.015% per hour, the predicted temporal profile can characterize adecline in the user's BAC from 0.03% at the first time point to 0.00%two hours from the first time point. In another example, also shown inFIG. 3A, two values of an intoxication metric, determined for timepoints after which the user has ceased alcohol consumption, can be usedto determine a slope for a region of the predicted temporal profile overwhich the user's intoxication is declining. Thus, if the user's BAC(i.e., the intoxication metric) is 0.05% at a first time point and 0.03%one hour after the first time point, the predicted temporal profile cancharacterize a decline in the user's BAC at a rate of 0.02% per hour,which is a customized rate for the user.

In the above variations and examples, the predicted temporal profile,including regions of rising, peaking, and declining intoxication, canfurther be adjusted and customized to the user, based upon thesupplementary dataset. In variations, the user's alcohol absorptionprofile and/or elimination rate can be adjusted based upon thedemographic profile of the user, as shown in FIG. 3B, as contained inthe supplementary information. In one example, the predicted temporalprofile can incorporate assumptions of a decreased alcohol absorptionrate, an increased alcohol elimination rate and/or a BAC lower thanaverage across all time points for a given number of alcoholic drinksconsumed, given that the user is a male in his early 20's with a higherthan average body mass index, a low fat-to-muscle ratio, and a familyhistory of high tolerance to alcohol. In another example, the predictedtemporal profile can incorporate assumptions of an increased alcoholabsorption rate, a decreased alcohol elimination rate and/or a BAChigher than average across all time points for a given number ofalcoholic drinks consumed, given that the user is a post-menopausaldiabetic female with a lower than average body mass index, a highfat-to-muscle ratio, and a family history of low tolerance to alcohol.These examples are depicted in the graphic labeled as S150″ in FIG. 3B.In another example, the predicted temporal profile can incorporateassumptions of an increased alcohol absorption rate, a decreased alcoholelimination rate and/or a BAC higher than average across all time pointsfor a given number of alcoholic drinks consumed, given that the user hasbeen diagnosed with any one or more of: deficiencies in alcoholdehydrogenase, deficiencies in aldehyde dehydrogenase, diabetes,hypertension, depression, and epilepsy. As such, the predicted temporalprofile can be adjusted relative to a population average profile ofintoxication characteristics, based upon specific demographic featuresof the user.

In variations of Block S150, the user's alcohol absorption profileand/or elimination rate can be additionally or alternatively adjustedbased upon the user's physiological or metabolic state, as contained inthe supplementary dataset. As such, as shown by the graphic labeledS150″′ in FIG. 3C, data related to any one or more of: food consumption,beverage consumption, medication usage, activity, biometric information,emotional state, and any other suitable factor near a time pointrepresented in the predicted temporal profile can be used to adjust analcohol absorption profile and/or elimination rate. In one example, aregion of rising intoxication in the predicted temporal profile canincorporate a decreased alcohol absorption rate and a lower peak BACvalue post-consumption of a large meal, as identified within image datacontributing to the supplementary dataset. In one example, a region offalling intoxication in the predicted temporal profile can incorporatean increased alcohol elimination rate post-consumption of a large meal,as identified within image data contributing to the supplementarydataset. In another example, a region of rising intoxication in thepredicted temporal profile can incorporate an increased alcoholabsorption rate and higher peak BAC value upon determination that theuser is consuming alcohol on an empty stomach, as identified with thesupplementary dataset (e.g., no images showing food consumption, no userinput of information relating to a consumed meal, no check-ins at a foodvendor location, GPS-based determination that the user has not visited afood vendor, etc.). In another example, a region of rising intoxicationin the predicted temporal profile can incorporate an increased alcoholabsorption rate and higher peak BAC value if the supplementary datasetincludes biometric data indicating that the user is experiencing stress(e.g., fast heart rate, fast respiration rate, large pupil diameter,high neural activity, etc.). In another example, a region of risingintoxication in the predicted temporal profile can incorporate anincreased alcohol absorption rate and higher peak BAC value if thesupplementary dataset includes data indicating that the user hasconsumed carbonated beverages (e.g., as identified using image data).

In any of the above variations and examples, customized aspects (e.g.,elimination rates, absorption rates, intoxication peak characteristics,etc.) of the user's predicted temporal profile can be stored, used,and/or re-evaluated for future assessments of the user's intoxication.As such, a historical dataset (e.g., including at least one previouslygenerated performance dataset and at least one previously generatedpredicted temporal profile) from the user can be used to refinepredictions of alcohol absorption and/or elimination characteristics ofthe user, to increase the accuracy of the predicted temporal profile. Insome variations, the method 100 can further include generating aprediction of a present value of the intoxication metric for the user,based upon the user's performance of the sobriety task (e.g., from theperformance dataset). Thus, in an example, a user's score on thesobriety task can be used to determine an approximate current BAC valuefor the user, for instance, when the user is not near a sample receivingmodule. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the users predicted temporalprofile can be rendered in some visual form (e.g., graphical form,text-based form), which can be provided to the user or other suitableentity (e.g., as part of Block S170) an example of which is labeled asS155 in FIG. 4. In examples, a predicted temporal profile of BAC vs.time, customized to the user, can be rendered as a line graph withselectable regions that associate future time points with predicted BACvalues for the user. The user's customized alcohol absorption andelimination rates can also be rendered or communicated, as well as anyother suitable information.

Block S160 recites: generating an analysis of the user's sobriety basedupon the performance dataset and the predicted temporal profile, andfunctions to provide a customized analysis of the user's past, present,and/or future intoxication state(s), so that the user is able toeffectively monitor his/her intoxication. The analysis preferablyincorporates the predicted temporal profile, with a distribution of theintoxication metric for the user over a given time window. The analysisalso preferably includes an assessment of the user's performance of thesobriety task, as determined from the performance dataset, which can berepresented as one or more scores that represent the user's performanceof the sobriety task at time points captured in the predicted temporalprofile. For each relevant time point, the score(s) generated from theperformance dataset are preferably based upon one or more of: a totalresponse time (e.g., response time to complete a task) to complete thesobriety task, an average response time across repeat performances ofthe sobriety task, a deviation in response time between repeatperformances of the sobriety task, a total reaction time (e.g., reactiontime to a stimulus of the sobriety task), an average reaction timeacross repeat performances of the sobriety task, a deviation in reactiontime between repeat performances of the sobriety task, and any othersuitable quantified variable. Additionally or alternatively, thescore(s) generated from the performance dataset can be based upon one ormore of: a qualitative measure of performance success (e.g., the useraccomplished the task, the user did not accomplish the task) convertedto a binary score (e.g., 1=accomplishment, 0=failure), performance speed(e.g., fast, medium, slow) converted to a quantization (e.g., fast toslow performance mapped on a 1-10 scale), reaction response (e.g., userreacted, user did not react) converted to a binary score, and any othersuitable factor. Thus, for at least one point on the predicted temporalprofile, the analysis provides a sobriety task score that associates theuser's abilities, as assessed by the sobriety task, with an intoxicationstate as assessed by the intoxication metric.

In Block S160, the analysis can also associate or annotate data pointsalong the predicted temporal profile with user activities (e.g., mealconsumption details and times, beverage consumption details and times,biometric data events, exercise events, medication events, rest events,etc.), as provided within the supplementary dataset or other suitablesource. In one example, image and/or text data (e.g., images of meals,images of beverages, status updates, etc.) of the supplementary datasetcan be used to annotate the predicted temporal profile, as shown inFIGS. 5A-5B, based upon time stamps of the image and/or text data, asdepicted by the graphic labeled S160′ in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, theanalysis can be rendered in any suitable manner (e.g., tabulated format,graphical format, textual format, audio format, etc.) at a userinterface or other interface, such that the comprehensive analysis isprovided to the user and/or another entity. Additionally, the analysisor a derivative of the analysis can be co-presented with assumptions andfactors (e.g., demographic factors, physiological state factors, etc.)used to customize the analysis to the user.

Block S170 recites: providing a notification to the user based upon theanalysis, and functions to provide an alert, recommendation, and/orinformation that informs the user of an effect of intoxication onhis/her present or future behavior. The notification can include anotification of any suitable type (e.g., visual notification, hapticnotification, audio notification, etc.), and can be provided to the userin any suitable manner (e.g., using a messaging client accessible by theuser, at a mobile device of the user, by a supervisor of the user,etc.). The notification can be provided automatically based upon a givenalert state (e.g., an automated notification upon detection that theuser is entering a dangerous intoxication state), and/or can be providedwhen prompted by the user or other entity. The notification preferablyinforms the user of his/her current intoxication state, as shown in FIG.4, which in examples informs the user that he or she is: currently abovea legal limit of intoxication (e.g., for operating a vehicle), currentlybelow a legal limit of intoxication, or currently at an unknownintoxication state relative to a legal limit of intoxication. In furtherexamples, the notification can inform the user that he or she is:currently below a legal limit of intoxication, but should not performrelevant activities (e.g., operating a vehicle, operating machinery) dueto poor performance of the sobriety task, currently at an unknownintoxication state relative to a legal limit of intoxication, but shouldnot perform relevant activities (e.g., operating a vehicle, operatingmachinery) due to poor performance of the sobriety task, or currentlyabove a legal limit of intoxication and should not perform relevantactivities, even though the user has performed the sobriety task well.

The notification can additionally or alternatively inform the user of apredicted future intoxication state, which, in examples informs the userthat he or she will be: above a legal limit of intoxication (e.g., foroperating a vehicle) at a future time point, below a legal limit ofintoxication at a future time point, or at an unknown intoxication staterelative to a legal limit of intoxication at a future time point.Furthermore, the notification regarding a predicted future intoxicationstate can be governed by an input from the user or other entity. Assuch, in variations, Block S160 can include allowing the user to input arequest for information regarding a future intoxication state, andproviding the notification based upon the request. In one example, auser can thus request information for when his/her BAC will return tozero (or any other suitable value), and the notification can provide ananswer with or without a degree of certainty in the prediction. Inanother example, the user can request information regarding an effect ofa consumed meal or beverage on his/her intoxication at a future timepoint, and the notification can provide an answer (e.g., a predicted BACvalue at the future time point) with or without a degree of certainty inthe prediction.

The notification can additionally or alternatively inform the user of ananalyzed past intoxication state, which, in examples informs the userthat he or she was: above a legal limit of intoxication (e.g., foroperating a vehicle) at a past time point, below a legal limit ofintoxication at a past time point, or at an unknown intoxication staterelative to a legal limit of intoxication at a past time point. Thenotification can also be coupled with contextual information for thepast time point, such as information provided in the supplementarydataset. In one example, the notification can inform the user of a BAClevel at a past time point, and the location of the user when the userdemonstrated the BAC level, which can help the user identify thelocation at which he/she lost an item in a state of inebriation. Inanother example, the notification can inform the user of a BAC level ata past time point, and an activity of the user (e.g., exercise activity,stress state, medication state), when the user demonstrated the BAClevel, which can help the user identify correlations between the user'sactivities and the user's intoxication states.

The notification can additionally or alternatively indicate past,current, and/or future alcohol-induced behavior and/or impairment of theuser. In variations, the notification can provide a BAC value for apast, current, or future time point, along with typical behavior and/orimpairment information. In examples of these variations, thenotification can include one or more of: an identified BAC in the rangeof 0.010-0.029, which produces normal behavior and subtle impairmenteffects; an identified BAC in the range of 0.030-0.059, which producesmild euphoria, relaxation, joyousness, talkativeness, decreasedinhibition, and impairment of the user's concentration; an identifiedBAC in the range of 0.060-0.090, which produces blunted feelings,disinhibition, extroversion, impairment of reasoning, impairment ofdepth perception, impairment of peripheral vision, and impairment ofglare recovery; an identified BAC in the range of 0.100-0.190, whichproduces over-expression, emotional swings, anger, sadness,boisterousness, decreased libido, impairment of reflexes, impairment ofreaction time, impairment of gross motor control, impairment of speech,erectile dysfunction, and alcohol poisoning; an identified BAC in therange of 0.200-0.290, which produces stupor, loss of understanding,impaired sensations, possibility of falling unconscious, severe motorimpairment, loss of consciousness, and blackout; an identified BAC inthe range of 0.300-0.390, which produces severe central nervous systemdepression, unconsciousness, possibility of death, bladder dysfunction,breathing impairment, and disequilibrium; an identified BAC in the rangeof 0.400-0.500, which produces general lack of behavior,unconsciousness, possibility of death, breathing impairment, andnystagmus; and an identified BAC greater than 0.500, which produces highrisk of poisoning, and possibility of death.

In some variations, Block S170 can further include enabling the user toprovide an input indicative of an estimated intoxication state of theuser S171, generating a comparison between the estimated intoxicationstate of the user and an actual intoxication state of the user S172, andproviding a notification to the user, wherein the notification isconfigured to facilitate convergence of the estimated intoxication stateand the actual intoxication state S173 in instances of future alcoholconsumption. Blocks S171, S172, and S173 function to train the user inbecoming more aware of his/her actual intoxication state, such that theuser can more effectively estimate his/her intoxication levels duringalcohol consumption. The estimated intoxication state and/or the actualintoxication state can be a past, present, or future intoxication state,such that the user can be trained to estimate past, present, and/orfuture states of intoxication during alcohol consumption.

In Block S171, the input is preferably provided by the user by way of anapplication executing at a mobile device of the user, wherein the mobiledevice is in communication with a processing module configured toanalyze the input in relation to the actual intoxication state of theuser. However, in Block S171 the input can be received by way of aninput module coupled to or integrated with a system for monitoringrespiration, as described in Section 2 below, and/or in any othersuitable manner. In variations, Block S171 includes allowing the user toprovide an estimated BAC level (e.g., past, present, or predicted futureBAC level); however, any other quantitative or qualitative estimatedintoxication state (e.g., cognitive ability, motor skill ability, etc.)can be provided in other variations of Block S171. The comparisongenerated in Block S172 preferably calculates a difference between theestimated and the actual intoxication states of the user; however, thecomparison can additionally or alternatively calculate any othersuitable metric (e.g., a change in difference between estimated andactual intoxication state, relative to at least one past estimate ofintoxication state) configured to train the user in identifying his/heractual intoxication state at a given state in time. In Block S173, thenotification can be provided to the user in any one or more of: a visualmanner (e.g., at a display), a haptic manner (e.g., using a vibrationmotor), an auditory manner (e.g., using a speaker), and in any othersuitable manner that indicates the user's level of success in predictinghis/her intoxication state. In specific applications, Blocks S171-S173can enable the user to input an estimate of his/her BAC at an inputmodule (e.g., keyboard, touchpad, touchscreen, voice recognition module,etc.) of a mobile device included in or coupled to system for monitoringintoxication, and providing the notification at a display of the mobiledevice in a visual manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the method 100 can further comprise Block S180,which recites: generating a longitudinal prediction of an effect of theuser's alcohol consumption, based upon the set of signals and theanalysis. Block S180 functions to enable a determination of a change inthe user's alcohol tolerance level over time, which can be used toinform the user of adverse effects of alcohol consumption or abuse. Thelongitudinal prediction is preferably based upon accumulated analyses,such as analyses generated in multiple instances of Block S160, but canbe formed based upon any other suitable data. In variations, thelongitudinal prediction is based upon tracking of the user'sintoxication metric values (e.g., from predicted temporal profiles) forgiven amounts of alcohol consumed over time, in relation to changes inany one or more of: performance of the sobriety task, behavior,impairment, weight gain, weight loss, metabolism, organ damage, organrecovery, and any other suitable expression of intoxication.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the method 100 can further comprise BlockS190, which recites: guiding the user in at least one of providing theset of samples and performing the sobriety task. Block S190 functions toensure that the user has provided the set of samples properly, and/or toprovide the user with instructions in performing the sobriety task. Inguiding the user in providing the set of samples, Block 190 ispreferably implemented at a sample collection module and/or a userinterface of an application executing at an electronic device (e.g.,mobile device) of the user; however, guiding the user in providing theset of samples can additionally or alternatively be performed in anyother suitable manner. In guiding the user in performing the sobrietytask, Block 190 is preferably implemented at a user interface of anapplication executing at an electronic device (e.g., mobile device) ofthe user; however, guiding the user in performing the sobriety task canadditionally or alternatively be performed in any other suitable manner.In variations of the method 100 including guiding the user in providingthe set of samples, Block S190 preferably includes providing instructionto the user in one or more of a visual format, an auditory format, and ahaptic format, but can additionally or alternatively include providinginstruction to the user in any other suitable format. Furthermore, BlockS190 can include pairing of a user interface, at which guidance of theuser is provided, with a sample collection module by a wired and/or awireless link (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi). In examples, providinginstruction can thus be implemented using one or more of a display(e.g., of a mobile device of the user and/or a display of a samplecollection module), a speaker unit (e.g., of a mobile device and/or of asample collection module), a lighting module (e.g., an LED array of amobile device and/or of a sample collection module), and a vibrationmotor (e.g., of a mobile device and/or of a sample collection module).

In a specific example of guiding the user in providing the set ofsamples, Block S190 is implemented at a mobile device coupled with abreathalyzer module. In the specific example, Block S190 includes:providing text instructions at a display of the mobile device that guidethe user in pairing of the mobile device with the breathalyzer moduleS191, and prompting the user to initiate provision of a sample of theset of samples S192. The specific example further includes receiving aninput from the user to indicate initiation of sample provision S193(e.g., by selecting a button, by speaking into the mobile device), whichcauses the mobile device to send an initiation signal to thebreathalyzer module. Block S193 thus facilitates activation of thebreathalyzer, which can include any one or more of warming up thebreathalyzer, burning off excess alcohol, calibrating the breathalyzer,and any other suitable step. The specific example further includesproviding visual instructions at the display that guide the user inproviding a breath sample by blowing into the breathalyzer module S194(e.g., by using a graphical object that indicates the amount of timethat the user needs to blow into the breathalyzer). In the specificexample, a microphone within the breathalyzer module senses that theuser is providing the sample, and transmits a signal to the mobiledevice to indicate that the user is providing the breath sample. Anapplication executing at the mobile device can then display an indicator(e.g., a countdown indicator) to guide the user in providing the breathsample over an adequate duration of time. If the user provides aninadequate breath sample, the application can provide an errornotification to the user. In variations of the specific example, guidingthe user can further include indicating at least one of an air flowparameter and a force of blowing (e.g., using a pressure sensor, using aflow sensor) provided by the user S195 at a display of the mobile deviceand/or the breathalyzer module, and indicating improper breath sampleprovision if the air flow parameter and/or the force of blowing does notsatisfy a threshold condition S196. The specific example thus providesgreater assurance that the user has properly provided a sample of theset of samples.

In variations of the method 100 including guiding the user in performingthe sobriety task, Block S190 can include providing instruction to theuser in one or more of a visual format, an auditory format, and a hapticformat, but can additionally or alternatively include providinginstruction to the user in any other suitable format. In examplesanalogous to those described above, providing instruction can thus beimplemented using one or more of a display (e.g., of a mobile device ofthe user), a speaker unit (e.g., of a mobile device), a lighting module(e.g., an LED array of a mobile device), and a vibration motor (e.g., ofa mobile device). The guidance in Block S190 is thus provided in aconsistent format that strengthens analyses generated from the user'sperformance of the sobriety task.

Also shown in FIG. 1, the method 100 can further comprise Block S210,which recites: transmitting at least one of the predicted temporalprofile, the analysis, and the notification to an entity. Block S210functions to share at least one aspect related to the user'sintoxication state with another entity (e.g., caretaker, friend, familymember, supervisor) associated with the user, which can facilitatemonitoring of the user's intoxication. The transmission preferablyshares at least one of the predicted temporal profile, the analysis, andthe notification in a secure manner (e.g., over a private message, witha unique URL, etc.), but can alternatively involve sharing in anon-secure manner. In variations, at least one of the predicted temporalprofile, the analysis, and the notification can be provided to theentity along with any relevant activity and/or location information, asprovided in the supplementary dataset. In examples, the notification canthus allow the entity to locate the user even when the user is unable orunwilling to communicate, and can prepare the entity to accommodate theintoxication state of the user (e.g., by sending a taxicab to pick theuser up). In these examples and variations, the notification can also beprovided in any suitable manner (e.g., messaging client, by a socialnetwork, etc.).

The method 100 can further include any other suitable blocks or stepsthat facilitate monitoring of a user's intoxication. Additionally, as aperson skilled in the field of intoxication monitoring devices willrecognize from the previous detailed description and from the figuresand claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments,variations, examples, and specific applications of the method 100described above without departing from the scope of the method 100.

2. System

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, an embodiment of a system 200 for monitoringintoxication of a user includes: a sample receiving module 210configured to accept a set of breath samples of the user at a set oftime points; a sample processing module 230 configured to analyze theset of breath samples; an electronics subsystem 240 comprising a powermodule 241 configured to power the sample processing module 230 and aconditioning module 243 configured to process signals generated by asensor of the sample processing module 230; a data link 248 coupled tothe sample processing module and configured to communicate a set ofsignals derived from the set of breath samples; and a processor 250including a first module 252 configured to receive the set of signals, asupplementary dataset, and a performance dataset characterizing theuser's performance of a sobriety task proximal to at least one timepoint of the set of time points; a second module 254 configured todetermine a set of values of an intoxication metric, derived from theset of signals; a third module 256 configured to generate a predictedtemporal profile of the intoxication metric for the user based upon theset of values, the set of time points, and the supplementary dataset; afourth module 258 configured to generate an analysis of the user'ssobriety as derived from the performance dataset, and a fifth module 260configured to generate a notification based upon the predicted temporalprofile and the analysis. The system 200 can further include any othersuitable element that facilitates monitoring of the user's intoxication,such as a storage module 270 configured to store and/or transmit atleast one of the analysis, the notification, and the predicted temporalprofile.

The system 200 functions to provide a tool that allows a user to monitorhis/her alcohol consumption and behavioral effects of intoxication in acompelling and intuitive manner. The system 200 can also guide a user'sbehavior at various stages of intoxication, by providing notificationsrelated to the user's intoxication state. In this regard, the system canprovide short-term and/or long-term predictions of a state of the user,in quantitative and qualitative manners, such that the user learns aboutthe physiological and/or behavioral effects of his/her alcoholconsumption. The system 200 can also incorporate a social component,wherein information related to a user's intoxication-induced behaviorand/or physiological state can be communicated to another entity (e.g.,a supervisor, a caretaker, a family member, an acquaintance).

2.1 System—Sample Receiving Module

The sample receiving module 210 includes a body 212 defining a cavity215 configured to accept the set of breath samples of the user at a setof time points, and functions to provide a module that facilitatesreception and processing of the set of breath samples.

The body 212 is configured to enclose at least a portion of the system200, and functions to protect elements of the system 200 over thelifetime usage of the system 200. In some embodiments, the body canfurther function to enhance portability of the system 200, such that theuser can conveniently bring the sample receiving module wherever he/shegoes. As shown in FIG. 7B, the body 212 can include a first body portion213 and a second body portion 214 coupled together to form an interiorchamber. In some variations, at least one of the first body portion 213and the second body portion 214 can include a transparent or translucentportion 299 that allows elements within the body 212 to be visible oridentifiable. However, in other variations, the first body portion 213and the second body portion 214 can be substantially opaque to hideelements within the body 212. The body 212 is preferably composed of apolymer (e.g., polystyrene) that is processed to define features of thebody (e.g., by machining, by injection molding, by casting, by printing,etc.); however, the body can alternatively be composed of any othersuitable material and processed by any other suitable process. In aspecific example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first body portion 213 andthe second body portion 214 couple together to form an approximatelyrectangular prism with rounded corners, wherein the first body portion213 includes a transparent portion 299 located at the periphery of thefirst body portion 213 that allows visualization of elements internal tothe body 212.

The cavity 215 is preferably included within a portion of the interiorchamber of the body 212, is coupled to the sample processing module 230,and comprises a first aperture 216 and a second aperture 217, incommunication with the first aperture 216, configured to facilitatesample inflow and outflow. The cavity 215 thus functions to facilitatetransmission of a sample from the user to be analyzed by the sampleprocessing module 230. The first aperture 216 and the second aperture217 can be substantially identical in geometry, such that the cavity hasan axis of symmetry (e.g., longitudinal axis of symmetry, transverseaxis of symmetry), and such that each of the first aperture 216 and thesecond aperture 217 can function as both a sample inlet and a sampleoutlet; however, the first aperture 216 and the second aperture 217 canalternatively be non-identical in geometry or in any other suitablemanner, as shown in FIG. 7B, such that the cavity 215 has an orientationthat is identifiable by the user and is configured to only receive asample from one of the first aperture 216 and the second aperture 217.In one variation, the cavity 215 can be defined by a tube form factor,as shown in FIG. 7B; however, the cavity 215 can alternatively bedefined by any other suitable form factor that facilitates transmissionof the sample from the user. The cavity 215 can be of unitaryconstruction with the body 212, can be physically coextensive with thebody 212, or can be coupled to the body 212 (e.g., to an interiorportion of the body 212, to an exterior portion of the body 212) in anyother suitable manner. Similar to the body 212, the cavity 215 can alsoinclude a transparent or translucent portion that can be illuminated(e.g., by a lighting module) to provide an indicator function for theuser. In a specific example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cavity 215 ispartially coupled to the body 212 by a housing 218 that couples thecavity 215 to a peripheral portion of the body 212, wherein the housing218 includes apertures that align with and provide access to the firstaperture 216 and the second aperture 217.

In some variations, the sample receiving module 210 can further includea mouthpiece 219 configured to mechanically couple (e.g., withprotrusions/depressions, with slots, with keys, with tabs, with threads,by press fit, etc.) to at least one of the first aperture 216 and thesecond aperture 217, in order to facilitate sample reception from theuser. The mouthpiece 219 can be configured to permanently couple to atleast one of the first aperture 216 and the second aperture 217,semi-permanently couple to at least one of the apertures 216, 217, orreversibly couple to at least one of the apertures 216, 217.Furthermore, the mouthpiece 219 can define unique identifiers (e.g.,colors, textures, geometric features, etc.) that facilitate usage of thesystem 200 by multiple users. In one specific example, the mouthpiece219 is configured to be reversibly coupled to the first aperture 216,such that the mouthpiece 219 is a disposable and replaceable element ofthe sample receiving module 210. In alternative variations of the samplereceiving module 210, however, the mouthpiece 219 can be of unitaryconstruction with one of the first aperture 216 and the second aperture217.

2.2 System—Sample Processing Module

The sample processing module 230 is configured to couple to the cavity215 of the sample receiving module 210, and functions to facilitateanalysis of the set of breath samples and generation of a set of signalsfrom the set of breath samples. As such, the sample processing module230 preferably includes a sensor 232 coupled to an electronics subsystem240, wherein the sensor interacts with a sample of the set of breathsamples and the electronics subsystem 240 conditions signals producedbased upon the sensor-sample interaction for transmission to a processorfor further analysis. The sample processing module 230 is preferablyhoused within the body 212 of the sample receiving module 210, but canalternatively be configured relative to the sample receiving module 210in any other suitable manner. The sample processing module 230 can,alternatively, include any other suitable elements that facilitatesample processing and transmission.

The sensor 232 is preferably a fuel cell sensor that enables measurementof a user's BAC by an electrochemical process. In particular, the fuelcell sensor is configured to produce an electrical current in responseto oxidation of alcohol carried in a breath sample, wherein themagnitude of the produced electrical current varies in a predictablemanner according to the amount (e.g., relative volume) of alcoholcarried in the breath sample. As such, in some variations, the sensor232 can be incorporated into a fuel cell subsystem including a pump 233configured to drive a breath sample received from at least one of thefirst aperture 216 and the second aperture 217, through an intake 237toward the sensor 232.

The sensor 232 can alternatively be a semiconductor sensor that producesa change in electrical resistance in response to an alcohol-dioxidereaction, wherein the magnitude of the change in resistance varies in apredictable manner according to the amount (e.g., relative volume) ofalcohol carried in the breath sample. In a specific example, thesemiconductor sensor can incorporate tin-oxide as a sensing element;however, variations of the semiconductor sensor can alternatively useany other suitable sensing element. In other variations of the sensor232, the sensor can include a spectrophotometer configured to produce asignal in response to absorbed or emitted light from alcohol moleculescarried in the breath sample, or any other suitable type of sensor.

The electronics subsystem 240 comprises a power module 241 configured topower the sample processing module 230 and a conditioning module 243configured to process signals generated by the sensor 232 fortransmission and further analysis. As such, the electronics subsystem240 functions to provide power to elements of the system 200, conditionand/or preprocess signals generated from received breath samples, andfacilitate transmission of signals to a processor for further analysis.The electronics system 240 preferably incorporates or is configured tocouple to a data link 248 for transmission of signals from the sampleprocessing module 230 to a processor for further processing andanalysis. Preferably, the electronics subsystem 240 complies withrelevant technical and safety standards, such that the system 200 isconfigured for “home-use”; however, the electronics subsystem can beconfigured in any suitable manner.

The power module 241 of the electronics subsystem 240 functions toprovide regulated and unregulated electrical power to the sampleprocessing module 230 and to allow power storage for the sampleprocessing module 230. The power module 241 preferably comprises abattery 242, such as a lithium-ion battery that is configured to berechargeable, but can alternatively comprise any other suitablerechargeable battery (e.g., nickel-cadmium, metal halide, nickel metalhydride, or lithium-ion polymer). Alternatively, the power module 241can comprise a non-rechargeable battery (e.g., alkaline battery) thatcan be replaced to further enhance modularity in the system 200. Thepower module 241 can be configured to have any appropriate profile suchthat the power module 241 provides adequate power characteristics (e.g.,cycle life, charging time, discharge time, etc.) for the sampleprocessing module 230 within physical constraints provided by the body212 of the sample receiving module 210.

In variations where the battery 242 of the power module 241 isrechargeable, the electronics subsystem 240 can also comprise a coil ofwire and associated electronics that function to allow inductivecharging of the battery by an external power source and the power module241. Inductive charging provided by the charging coil thus alsofacilitates patient mobility while interacting with the system 200, suchthat the patient can be extremely mobile while monitoring his/herintoxication. In alternative variations, however, the charging coil canbe altogether omitted (e.g., in variations without a rechargeablebattery), or replaced or supplemented by a connection 244 (e.g., USBconnection) configured to provide wired charging of a rechargeablebattery.

The conditioning module 243 functions to preprocess signals generated bythe sensor 232 prior to transmission from the sample processing module230, and can additionally function to regulate elements of theelectronics subsystem 240. The conditioning module preferably comprisessignal conditioning elements, including one or more of: ananalog-to-digital converter (e.g., to convert analog signals sensor232), an amplifier, and a filter for processing signals prior totransmission. In some variations, the conditioning module 243 caninclude a microprocessor configured to direct signal conditioningfunctionalities of the conditioning module 243 and a voltage regulatorconfigured to protect elements of the electronics subsystem 240 fromovervoltage and/or under-voltage states.

The electronics subsystem 240 can additionally or alternatively compriseany other suitable element that facilitates intoxication monitoring.Furthermore the electronics subsystem 240 can be coupled to a usercontrol module 245 that interfaces with the electronics subsystem 240,such that manual control of any aspect of the sample receiving module210 and/or the sample processing module 230 can be performed by the useror any other suitable entity. The user control module 245 can comprise apower toggle (e.g., on/off button) for activating and/or deactivatingthe sample receiving module 210. The user control module 245 can furtherinclude input devices that allow the user to indicate initiation ofsample provision. Preferably, the user control module 245 provides aminimal number of controls (e.g., an on/off button, a sample provisioninitiation button), but can provide any suitable number of manualcontrols. The user control module 245 can be touch-activated (e.g., witha touch screen, buttons, dials, knobs, sliders), or can be activatedusing any other suitable manner (e.g., sound activation). Preferably,the user control module 245 is integrated with the electronics subsystem240, but in other alternative variations, the user control module 245can be implemented remotely from the system sample processing module230, for example, using an application executing on a mobile device ofthe patient.

The data link 248 functions to transmit an output of at least oneelement of the electronics subsystem 240 to one or more of: a mobiledevice 202, a processor 250, and any other suitable computing device(e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, healthtracking device, server, cloud). Preferably, the data link 248 is awireless interface; however, the data link 248 may alternatively be awired connection. In a first variation, the data link 248 can include aBluetooth module that interfaces with a second Bluetooth module includedin the mobile device or external element, wherein data or signals aretransmitted by the data link 248 to/from the mobile device or externalelement over Bluetooth communications. The data link of the firstvariation can alternatively implement other types of wirelesscommunications, such as 3G, 4G, radio, or Wi-Fi communication. In thefirst variation, data and/or signals are preferably encrypted beforebeing transmitted by the data link 248. For example, cryptographicprotocols such as Diffie-Hellman key exchange, Wireless Transport LayerSecurity (WTLS), or any other suitable type of protocol may be used. Thedata encryption may also comply with standards such as the DataEncryption Standard (DES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3-DES), orAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES).

In a second variation, the data link 248 is a wired connection such thatthe electronics subsystem 240 can communicate with the mobile deviceand/or any external computing element through a jack of the mobiledevice and/or external computing element. In one specific example of thedata link 248 that includes a wired jack, the data link 248 isconfigured only to transmit output signals from the electronicssubsystem 240. In another specific example, the data link 248 isconfigured to transmit data to and from at least one element of theelectronics subsystem 240 and a mobile device (e.g., for pairing of themobile device and the electronics subsystem, for synchronization betweenthe mobile device and the electronics subsystem). In this example, thedata link 248 can transmit output signals into the mobile device throughthe microphone input of the audio jack of the mobile device and canretrieve data from the audio output of the audio jack of the mobiledevice. In variations of this example, the data link 248 canadditionally or alternatively communicate with the mobile device viainter-integrated circuit communication (I2C), one-wire, master-slave, orany other suitable communication protocol. However, the data link 248can transmit data in any other way and can include any other type ofwired connection (such as a USB wired connection) that supports datatransfer between the electronics subsystem 240, the mobile device,and/or any other suitable computing element.

2.3 System—Processor

The processor 250 includes a first module 252 configured to receive theset of signals from the sample processing module 230, a supplementarydataset characterizing at least one of a demographic profile of the userand a physiological state of the user, and a performance datasetcharacterizing the user's performance of a sobriety task proximal to atleast one time point of the set of time points. The processor preferablyalso includes a second module 254 configured to determine a set ofvalues of an intoxication metric, derived from the set of signals; athird module 256 configured to generate a predicted temporal profile ofthe intoxication metric for the user based upon the set of values, theset of time points, and the supplementary dataset; a fourth module 258configured to generate an analysis of the user's sobriety as derivedfrom the performance dataset, and a fifth module 260 configured togenerate a notification based upon the predicted temporal profile andthe analysis. As such, the processor preferably functions to implementat least a portion of the method 100 described in Section 1 above, butcan alternatively be configured to perform any other suitable methodthat facilitates monitoring of the user's intoxication. The first module252, the second module 254, the third module 256, the fourth module 258,and the fifth module 260 can be implemented at a single processing unit,or can be implemented using multiple processing units.

2.4 System—Other Elements

The system 200 can additionally further comprise a storage module 270,which functions to retain data generated during use of the system 200.The storage module 270 can be implemented with any one or more of: theelectronics subsystem 240, mobile device, personal computer, webbrowser, external server (e.g., cloud), local server, and anycombination of the above, in a network configured to transmit, store,and receive data. Preferably, data from the storage module 270 isautomatically transmitted to any appropriate external devicecontinuously; however, data from the storage module 270 canalternatively be transmitted intermittently (e.g. every minute, hourly,daily, or weekly). In one example, data generated by any element can bestored on a portion of the storage module 270 when the data link 248 isnot coupled to an element external to the electronics subsystem 240.However, in the example, when a link is established between the datalink 248 and an external element, data may then be automaticallytransmitted from the storage module 270. In other examples, the storagemodule 270 can alternatively be manually prompted to transmit storeddata by a user or other entity.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the system 200 can additionally include asupplementary sensing module 280 configured to communicate with theprocessor 250, wherein the supplementary sensing module functions tofacilitate reception and/or generation of data related to any one ormore of: food consumption (e.g., amount/rate of consumption), beverageconsumption (e.g., amount/rate of consumption), medication usage,activity (e.g., exercise, rest, sleep), biometric information (e.g.,heart rate, respiration rate, pupilometric information, neural activityinformation, etc.), emotional state (e.g., stress state), user locationinformation, and another any other suitable type of supplementaryinformation (e.g., environmental data). As such, the supplementarysensing module 280 can include any one or more of: an image sensor 281(e.g., for generation of image data related to food, drink, ormedication usage), an accelerometer 282 (e.g., for activity data), agyroscope 283 (e.g., for activity data), a location sensor 284 (e.g.,GPS), and a biometric sensor 285 (e.g., heart rate monitor, respirationsensor, blood pressure sensor, electroencephalogram activity sensor,etc.). The supplementary sensing module can also include a manual inputmodule 286 configured to receive manual inputs from the user or anotherentity that provides supplementary data. In some variations, involvingautomated generation of a supplementary dataset as described in Section1 above, the supplementary sensing module 280 can include an aggregationmodule 287 configured to access, retrieve, and/or aggregate content(e.g., digital content) from different sources (e.g., social networkaccounts, search results, etc), and can additionally include objectrecognition and/or text recognition modules 288, 289, respectively toenable automatic identification of items that the user consumes. Thesupplementary sensing module can additionally comprise a tagging moduleconfigured to tag supplementary data with time information to facilitateanalysis and processing of data by the processor 250.

As shown in FIG. 8, the system 200 can additionally include an indicatormodule 290, which functions to guide the user in properly providing asample of the set of samples. The indicator module 290 can beimplemented using an application executing at a mobile device of theuser, and in variations, can incorporate functions of one or more of: adisplay of the mobile device, an LED of the mobile device, a speaker ofthe mobile device, a vibration motor of the mobile device, and any othersuitable element of the mobile device. The indicator module 290 canadditionally or alternatively be implemented using a lighting module 291configured to couple to the sample receiving module 210 and the sampleprocessing module 230. One variation of the lighting module 291 includesa set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to indicate that theuser should initiate provision of a breath sample, that the sampleprocessing module 230 is processing the breath sample, and/or that theuser has improperly provided a breath sample. In a specific example, asshown in FIG. 8, the lighting module 291 includes a first LED 292 and asecond LED 293 oriented proximal to the cavity 215 (e.g., a tubeconfigured to receive the breath sample), such that the first LED 292and the second LED 293 illuminate the cavity to provide an indicatorfunction for the user. In the specific example, the first LED 292functions as a visual cue that guides the user in submitting a breathsample into the cavity 215, and the second LED 293 functions as a visualcue that indicates that the sample processing module 230 is currentlyprocessing the breath sample provided by the user. As such, the firstLED 292 and the second LED 293 in the specific example are both coupledto the electronics subsystem 240 of the sample processing module 230.Other variations of the indicator module 290 can include any othersuitable indication elements in communication with any other suitableelement of the system 200.

Variations of the method 100 and system 200 include any combination orpermutation of the described components and processes. Furthermore,various processes of the preferred method can be embodied and/orimplemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive acomputer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Theinstructions are preferably executed by computer-executable componentspreferably integrated with a system and one or more portions of thecontrol module 155 and/or a processor. The computer-readable medium canbe stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs,flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppydrives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component ispreferably a general or application specific processor, but any suitablededicated hardware device or hardware/firmware combination device canadditionally or alternatively execute the instructions.

The FIGURES illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation ofpossible implementations of systems, methods and computer programproducts according to preferred embodiments, example configurations, andvariations thereof. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, step, or portion of code,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block can occurout of the order noted in the FIGURES. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention defined in the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A method for monitoring intoxication of a user, comprising:at a sampling system comprising a sensor, receiving a signal derivedfrom a sample collected from a user at a receipt time point; at aprocessing system comprising a processor, determining a value of anintoxication metric from the signal; at the processing system,generating a predicted temporal parameter for the user based upon thevalue of the intoxication metric; and with a user interface incommunication with the processing system, providing a notification tothe user based upon the predicted temporal parameter, the notificationindicative of an estimated future time point later than the receipt timepoint, wherein providing the notification to the user comprisesrendering, at a display of the user interface, the estimated future timepoint, wherein the estimated future time point corresponds to a time atwhich the value of the intoxication metric of the user will return to azero value.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least part of theprocessing system is housed within a mobile device separate and distinctfrom the sampling system, wherein information derived from the signal iscommunicated by a wireless data link from the sampling system to themobile device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user interfacecomprises a display mounted to the mobile device.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the sampling system is at least partially arranged within ahousing, the housing comprising an aperture configured to receive thesample, wherein the sensor is disposed within the aperture.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the user interface comprises a vibrationmotor arranged within the housing, the vibration motor configured toprovide the notification in the form of a vibration.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing, at the display, a secondnotification to the user, the second notification comprising anassessment of an ability of the user determined based on the value ofthe intoxication metric.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein theassessment of the ability of the user comprises an assessment of a motorability of the user.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the assessment ofthe ability is determined from historic correlations between theintoxication metric values and the assessed ability for the user.
 9. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the assessment is associated with apredetermined value of the intoxication metric.
 10. The method of claim1, further comprising receiving a set of signals derived from a set ofsamples at a set of receipt time points, determining a set ofintoxication values based on the set of signals, and generating apredicted temporal profile based on the set of intoxication values andthe set of receipt time points.
 11. A system for monitoring intoxicationof a user, comprising: a housing comprising a sampling subsystem,wherein the sampling subsystem receives a sample from a body of the userat a receipt time point; a processing system comprising a firstprocessing subsystem coupled to and at least partially disposed withinthe housing, wherein the processing system: determines a signal based onthe sample; determines a value of an intoxication metric derived fromthe signal; generates a predicted temporal parameter for the user basedupon the value and the receipt time point, and generates a notificationbased upon the predicted temporal parameter; a user interface incommunication with the processing system, wherein the user interfaceprovides the notification to the user and wherein the user interfacecomprises a display, wherein the notification to the user comprises anestimated future time point at which the intoxication metric of the userwill return to a zero value, based on the predicted temporal parameter;and a data link coupled to the first processing subsystem and connectingthe first processing subsystem with the user interface.
 12. The systemof claim 11, wherein the sampling subsystem receives a set of samplesfrom a body of the user at a set of receipt time points, wherein the setof samples comprises the first sample and the set of receipt time pointscomprises the first receipt time point, wherein the processing system:determines a set of signals based on the set of samples; determines aset of values of an intoxication metric, derived from the set ofsignals; generates a predicted temporal profile for the user based uponthe set of values and the set of time points; and generates thepredicted temporal parameter based upon the predicted temporal profile.13. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing system comprises asecond processing subsystem arranged within a mobile device separate anddistinct from the housing, wherein the data link connects the firstprocessing subsystem to the user interface via the second processingsubsystem, wherein the data link is a wireless data link.
 14. The systemof claim 13, wherein the wireless data link comprises a Bluetoothmodule.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the processing system,during operation, determines an assessment of an ability of the userbased on the value of the intoxication metric.
 16. The system of claim15, wherein the processing system, during operation, generates a secondnotification comprising an instruction to the user, wherein theinstruction is determined based on the assessment of an ability of theuser.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the housing comprises anaperture configured to receive the sample, wherein the sensor isdisposed within the aperture.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein thesensor is a fuel cell sensor.